Be Our Guest! We are excited to host the 2011 AGRM Midwest Conference. We trust that this will be a refreshing time of shared experiences, learning new approaches to service and taking a closer look at what Jesus taught about the ministry of prayer. Click here to download the registration form. Please contact Hannah Dockweiler at Hannah@kzoogospel.org for more information or call (269) 553-0672 ext. 11. – The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission Team

Accommodations:

This year’s conference will be held at Gull Lake Ministries in Hickory Corners, MI. Gull Lake is a fabulous setting for retreats whether you are looking for lots of activities and adventure or are just looking to relax and unwind.

Breakout Sessions

Track One: Leadership Fundamentals

Breakout 1: Servant Leadership - Chico Daniels, Mel TrotterMinistires

Our modern bibles have translated the Greek word ‘doulos’ into the word ‘servant’. This isn’t strong enough to convey the true meaning of what Christ meant in Matthew 20:27 when he told the disciples that “whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” He really used the word slave to convey the sense that we have one purpose on earth as Christian leaders, to please our Master by serving Him and others. As slaves to Christ, we have lost all rights to our independence. We are to live a life of subservience to Christ and others. As leaders of our respective ministries, God has called us to lead by example. We will explore what it means to be effective in our leadership roles as we regain our emphasis on Servant leadership.

When done well, a strategic plan is a dynamic process that adapts to an ever-changing environment. As such, it will not be a document that collects dust on a shelf. At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Identify the basic steps of a strategic plan and methods for keeping the plan relevant and impactful

Explain the importance of strategic planning to their staff and board members

Understand the benefits of and how to contract with an outside facilitator (volunteer or paid)

Leave with resources (including a plan to plan!) for implementing a strategic plan at their Mission

Track Two: Essentials of Communication

You caught your passion for ministry from someone. Their words, actions and lifestyle changed the course of your life. How can you now pass on the passion to others? What do you say? How do you say it? When do you say it, and how often? Come looking for ideas and methods.

Breakout 3: Public Relations in the Social Media Age - Stephen Ruppe, Russ Reid

The new buzzword is “social media.” Everyone must be posting on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. That’s where the young audience is. Social Media is part of the PR outreach to a Mission’s community. But should you abandon the newspapers, radio stations and TV opportunities still out there? Learn how to integrate social media into your Public Relations in easy to understand steps.

Track Three: Building a Stronger Program

Our vision at Kalamazoo Gospel Mission is to transform lives through the power of Jesus Christ. This takes intentional planning and programming. This session will lay a foundation for such programming and give practical examples of its effectiveness. Come prepared to challenge each other with ideas, comments and questions on how to impact lives through Jesus Christ that will give Him glory on the journey!

Breakout 2: De-escalation Techniques – Rick Phelps, Beechpoint

Learn effective ways to identify and de-escalate an agitated client during a crisis situation. More information on this important seminar to come.

While much focus is given to guilt in the lives of substance abusing people, shame is given less attention. This session will focus on the role that shame (too little or too much) plays in our clients. Specific methods will be given to help clients understand the effects shame has in their lives and how to manage this troublesome emotion toward addiction-free living.

Track Four: Mission Essentials

What is holding your Mission back from growing? How can you avoid the pitfalls that many ministries are experiencing in America today? Where is your Mission at in relation to where it wants and needs to be? How are donors changing in today’s economic and social-nomic environment? How can you stay ahead of these dangerous trends while simultaneously growing your ministry beyond your dreams?

Wonder what the big deal is with Social Media today? The goal of this seminar is to share with attendees why Social Media should be part of your ongoing mission strategies. They can begin developing, improving, and implementing social networking strategies that will help to engage more constituents into the work of the mission. This includes building awareness, casting vision, strengthening relationships, recruiting volunteers and raising funds. Whether your organization is big or small, this seminar will provide easy, actionable, and specific ways for starting an effective social networking program.

Topics to be explored:

Definitions of social media, networking, etc.

How to set up your Facebook, Twitter and other networking tools

How to develop a common understanding of the various social network tactics

Discussing the value of social networking to an organization

Setting expectations and staffing requirements

Multi-channel marketing examples

Determining how much to invest for a "return on the investment"

Integrating social media strategies into the overall marketing and communications program

Breakout 3: The Ministry of Prayer – Vanguard Pastoral Team, Vanguard

Vanguard is an inner city ministry in Kalamazoo, Michigan focused on Biblical restoration and change. A hallmark of the ministry is a commitment to 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing”. Come here how the prayer ministry of Vanguard has impacted the lives of local residents and is transforming a community through the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Registration:

Early Bird (by August 12): $210 Regular (after August 12): $225 Registration price includes lodging, meals and conference attendance per person. As Gull Lake is designed around families, the lodging rate is based on double/multiple occupancy. Should you need single occupancy accommodations or are registering as a couple, please indicate your preference on this form.